Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition that adversely affects the ability to achieve and maintain penile erection firm enough for sexual activity. It's a common issue that impacts many men, particularly as they get older.
Your nerves, hormones, muscles and blood vessels are involved in achieving and maintaining an erection. An issue with any of these can inhibit a firm erection. ED may also be caused by stress and mental health problems.
There are several types of Erectile Dysfunction that have different reasons :
Vascular Erectile Dysfunction: This is the most common kind of Erectile Dysfunction. It happens when insufficient blood flows to the penis. This type of ED may be caused by diseases affecting blood flow like hypertension and diabetes. Lifestyle choices like smoking or a high fat and sugar diet can also decrease blood flow.
Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction: This type of Erectile Dysfunction occurs when the nerves fail to relay messages from the brain to the penis. It may result from spinal cord injuries, diabetes, or after some surgeries that damage the pelvic nerves.
Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction: This involves issues with hormones, particularly testosterone, which is necessary for sexual drive and getting an erection. Similarly, problems with the thyroid gland may cause hormonal imbalances and ED.
Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: This type of Erectile Dysfunction is caused due to psychological causes such as stress, depression or anxiety. Mental health issues can affect your libido, making it hard to become excited enough to get an erection.
Knowing the type of ED may help with effective treatment. Erectile Dysfunction treatments may involve natural medicines, therapies and lifestyle changes. In case you suspect you have ED, consult an Ayurvedic expert immediately. They can determine the cause and prescribe the best remedy for you.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) could be caused by a number of factors including physical health, lifestyle choices and mental health conditions. Understanding these factors may help address the underlying cause and improve sexual function in men.
The most common causes of Erectile Dysfunction are:
Heart Disease: Poor cardiovascular health reduces blood flow to the penis and makes it difficult to achieve an erection.
Diabetes: High blood sugars from diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels that are necessary for attaining and maintaining an erection.
Obesity: Excess weight can cause cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are risk factors for ED.
High Blood Pressure & High Cholesterol: Both these conditions can damage the blood vessels and inhibit blood flow needed for an erection.
Hormonal Imbalances: Low testosterone and other hormone imbalances can directly impact erectile function and libido.
Certain Medications: Drugs for blood pressure, depression and anxiety may cause side effects, including ED.
Alcohol & Tobacco Use: Both these substances can harm blood vessels and hinder flow of blood to the penis.
Psychological Problems: Stress, anxiety and depression may affect sexual feelings and cause or worsen Erectile Dysfunction.
Sleep Disorders: Testosterone production is damaged by conditions like sleep apnea, which hinders erectile function.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is more than just an occasional sexual problem. It is a major problem that can affect a man's self-confidence and intimate relationships. Recognising the signs and symptoms early may facilitate timely treatment and improve the possibility of better outcomes.
The most obvious symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction are:
Sometimes, difficulty in achieving an erection may not be a problem, but if it is frequently experienced, it may indicate ED.
Another common symptom of erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain an erection long enough for satisfying sexual intercourse.
ED may be linked to lowered sexual desire or libido, commonly caused by hormonal or emotional imbalances.
Constantly worrying about sexual performance may result in anxiety that triggers ED.
Erections that are too soft for sex are another common symptom of Erectile Dysfunction.
If your erections aren't firm enough for full sexual intercourse, it might be a sign of ED.
An inability to achieve an erection under any circumstances, whether alone or with a partner is a strong sign of a physical or psychological cause of ED.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Erectile Dysfunction using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically-developed blends that help to rebalance your body’s energies and promote emotional steadiness.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness-Practices: These calming techniques support mental wellness and general health.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapy options like Panchakarma and various massage therapies cleanse the body and stabilise emotional health.
Diet and Lifestyle Guidance: Expert recommendations to change your eating habits and lifestyle for better health results.
Ayurveda offers various natural remedies to treat ED at its source and address the underlying causes. These herbs can help in improving sexual performance, vitality and overall health.
The most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for managing Erectile Dysfunction are:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is known to lower anxiety and stress, two factors that are believed to cause ED. It can also help increase testosterone levels and sperm quality, improving sexual stamina and desire.
Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum): Safed Musli is an aphrodisiac containing saponins and alkaloids that are believed to increase sperm count and testosterone.
Shilajit: Rich in fulvic acid and a spectrum of over 84 minerals, Shilajit boosts energy, stamina and vitality. It's particularly good at raising testosterone, which is needed for erectile strength and libido.
Javitri: Javitri is the aril of the nutmeg seed and is believed to induce sexual desire and enhance erectile function. Its essential oils and compounds have aphrodisiac effects.
Gokhru: Gokhru is a herb that can help improve libido and sexual function. It contains saponins which are known to stimulate the production of testosterone.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): As a reproductive tonic, Shatavari contains saponins and flavonoids that regulate hormonal balance and improve sperm motility and count for ED treatment.
Kaunch (Mucuna pruriens): Kaunch seeds contain L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine that promotes dopamine levels in the human brain. This improves mood, sexual desire and testosterone levels which improve erectile function.
Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum): The alkylamide in Akarkara is known to stimulate the central nervous system and improve sexual performance, making it a useful nerve tonic.
Balabeeg: Though less known, Balabeeg is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine. It has saponins and flavonoids that are believed to improve sexual function.
Seek treatment for ED as soon as you notice consistent problems such as achieving or maintaining an erection, as early intervention may improve outcomes.
Yes, a balanced diet containing fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins can increase blood flow and decrease ED risk.
Obesity may lead to poor cardiovascular health, which limits blood flow for an erection, increasing the risk of ED.
Ayurvedic methods like meditation and yoga might help alleviate stress, a basic root cause of Erectile Dysfunction.
Yes, ED is more common in men older than 40 as natural hormone levels and blood flow decline with age.
Unlike Western treatments which often rely on medication, Ayurvedic treatments focus on holistic wellness and balance through natural herbs and lifestyle changes.
Yes, regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and blood circulation which may prevent or improve ED symptoms.
Hormonal imbalances, especially low testosterone, can directly affect the ability to attain and maintain an erection .
Yes, both these habits can impair blood vessels and impede blood flow to the penis causing ED.
Herbs like Ashwagandha and Shilajit are recommended to regulate hormones and boost vitality.
Ayurveda diagnoses ED on the basis of physical symptoms, lifestyle factors and holistic assessment of bodily imbalances.
Ayurveda recommends eating right, exercising regularly, reducing stress and using natural herbs to balance the body’s energies.